29 Awesome Things To Do In New York With Kids

So in no particular order here are some ideas of things to do in New York with kids!
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New York City, often referred to as the “City that Never Sleeps,” is a vibrant and iconic destination that offers an array of exciting experiences for travellers of all ages; this really is the best place in the World to be a tourist. From towering skyscrapers to world-famous museums, New York City is a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be explored by families with kids.

Whether navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan or uncovering hidden gems in the boroughs, this urban playground promises a vacation with adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.

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I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for New York and know where my favourite places are. But when we head to New York with the kids for the first time, I call some fellow bloggers to tell me about their favourite family-friendly things to do in the Big Apple with kids.

Awesome Things To Do in New York With Kids

Join us as we dive into an adventure-packed guide on making the most of your New York City escapade with your little explorers.

New york with kids what not to miss when visiting New York With Kids

Is NYC Good for Kids?

Yes, New York City is a great destination for families with kids due to its diverse attractions and activities. There’s something for everyone, from museums and parks to Broadway shows and cultural experiences.

Highlights include interactive museums, Central Park’s outdoor activities, movie locations, family-friendly Broadway shows, historic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island’s amusements, and various zoos and aquariums.

What Airport do you Fly Into in New York

In New York City, there are three main airports that you can fly into. Each is a varying distance from the city centre; you need to carefully plan your trip from the airport as the city becomes easily gridlocked.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), situated in Jamaica, Queens, is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometres) from the NYC Center (Times Square). Travel time from JFK Airport to Times Square varies based on traffic, typically 30 minutes to an hour by taxi or car, while the AirTrain JFK and subway combination takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located in East Elmhurst, Queens, is around 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the NYC Center (Times Square). Travel time from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square can vary due to traffic, typically 20 to 40 minutes by taxi or car, and transportation options such as buses can take a while public transport can take 45 minutes to an hour.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), situated in Newark, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, is approximately 16 miles (26 kilometres) from the NYC Center (Times Square). Travel time from Newark Airport to Times Square varies due to traffic, typically 30 minutes to an hour by taxi or car. The Air Train Newark and train combination takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

Getting around New York with Kids

When you land at the airport, be ready to pay $5 plus per luggage trolley. Having the kids moan about carrying their own suitcases is not the best start.  Then head out to the taxi rank.

  • Cabs – Taxis have a fixed fare into the city, so don’t worry about being ripped off. There is no legal requirement to use a car seat in a NYC taxi. However, we advise you to bring your own lightweight car seat and pop it in.
  • Subway –  Like The Tube, not every subway station is stroller friendly, so be prepared to take the stairs. Alternatively, check out the subway map before you start your journey and plan accordingly.
  • Car Hire – It can be busy but depending on where you are staying, car hire in New York might be the way to go.
  • Remember to submit your ESTA application on time. An ESTA is mandatory if you want to travel to the USA. Children will need their own ESTA, they cannot be included in the ESTA of their parents.

Awesome Things To Do in New York With Kids

So in no particular order, here are some ideas of things to do with kids and teens in New York.

1. Central Park

Central Park is an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle that kids will love to explore. Most people don’t realise how big it is and how much there is to do. Of course, there are several playgrounds like you might find at a typical park, but that’s only the beginning.

You can even visit Central Park Zoo inside the park. The home of many of the characters from Madagascar; however, if you want to visit Alex the Lion and Melman, you must head out to the Bronx Zoo.

There are several open spaces with views of the NYC skyscrapers perfect for picnicking and running around. The kids will enjoy going out on a rowboat or piloting a remote-controlled sailboat. 

Central Park has several nice paths to walk, hike, run, or bike. In the winter, you must go ice skating.

2. Bryant Park

My son and I stumbled upon Bryant Park while walking the streets of New York, an unexpected treat on our first trip to the city. The next time, Bryant Park topped our list of places to see. In Midtown, between 5th and 6th Avenues along 42nd Street, Bryant Park is a vibrant park that changes with the seasons.

Year-round, it’s home to a carousel, ping pong tables and plenty of seating thanks to the park’s iconic green bistro chairs.

The park offers a variety of activities like group fitness classes, juggling, kids’ story time, organised games (BINGO and musical chairs), and crafts and workshops. The park adds a holiday gift market and ice skating for the holidays. Whenever you visit, soak in the magic of this park tucked among the city’s high rises.

Pro tip: Visit Bryant Park online for a complete calendar of events before you go and make the most of New York with kids.

3. Walk the High Line in New York with Kids

The High Line is an elevated parkway that straddles the lower West Side of Manhattan. A visit to New York with kids wouldn’t be complete without walking at least part of it. 

The High Line promenades through New York City between dilapidated warehouses, striking new developments and over streets and sidewalks. Suzanne from The Travel Bunny tells us that imaginative planting, reflective spaces and intriguing art installations en route will keep both you and your children entertained throughout your walk.

The High Line, which used to transport cargo and freight across the city, closed in 1980. Saved from demolition and re-opened in 2009 as a unique and unusual public landscape. The High Line runs from West 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.

The High Line is an elevated parkway that straddles the lower West Side of Manhattan and a visit to New York wouldn't be complete without walking at least part of it. The High Line promenades through New York City between dilapidated warehouses, striking new developments and over streets and sidewalks. Imaginative planting, reflective spaces and intriguing art installations en-route will keep both you and your children entertained throughout your walk. The High Line, which used to transport cargo and freight across the city, closed in 1980. It was saved from demolition and re-opened in 2009 as a unique and unusual public landscape as individual as the High Line itself. The High Line runs from West 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.

4. The Ride

Kids of all ages will enjoy “The Ride”, an interactive, guided tour of New York City’s landmarks. “The Ride” is an experience unlike any other. visitors are transported through the streets in a high-tech bus, while the hosts entertain you with their wealth of knowledge and jokes.

The tour isn’t limited to inside the bus, though. You can interact with people on the street through performers stationed along the route.

Different experiences depend on the time of year (special ones at Halloween and the Holidays), and the improvisation of the hosts is on point. We’ve never laughed so much on a tour. “The Ride” does not disappoint.

Things to do in New York with Kids

5. The New York Public Library

Calculated Traveller Magazine recommends The New York Public Library. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, with its massive marble columns, archways, and majestically decorated high ceilings.

With free exhibitions, you can easily spend hours exploring the various rooms, books and displays. Children should head to the ground floor to see one of their most famous exhibits. Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga and Tigger, the original stuffed animals from the 1920s that inspired the books.

Things to do in New York with Kids

6. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

If your kids are into planes and spaceships, one of the fun things to do in New York with kids is to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. Located on Pier 86 in Hell’s Kitchen, this museum is housed in an old aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Intrepid. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum has various military aircraft, a space shuttle, and a submarine for families to explore.

While there, we took a tour of the navigation deck of the ship and enjoyed seeing what it was like to live aboard a ship. Our favourite part of the museum was the Exploreum Hall, which had many interactive games and exhibits aimed specifically at kids.

7. Museum of Math

Looking for a super-fun, educational, and hands-on experience while visiting New York with kids? Then head to the Museum of Math in midtown just north of Madison Square Park.

This two-floor museum dedicated to all things mathematics will have kids of all ages amazed at how interesting math can be. Exhibits we loved included riding the square-wheeled bike, and building polyhedrons out of familiar shapes. Plus, also calculated our speed, acceleration and velocity (no knowledge of calculus needed, promise). The Museum of Math also has a great gift shop where you can find fun puzzles and games to bring home!

Read more about our visit to the Museum of Mathematics here

Things to do in New York With Kids

8. The American Museum of Natural History

If animals and dinosaurs are your kids’ idea of fun, then the most important stop in New York with kids would be the Natural History Museum with gigantic, informative, interactive exhibits.

Highlights include skeletons of a complete T-Rex or blue whale and a butterfly conservatory where kids can interact with these amazing insects. Plus, lessons from your backyard, the oceans, or Easter Island. There is something for everyone, and the kids will not want to leave.

When the kids get hungry, they have a full food court on site. Check out their website before you go because the museum hosts all kinds of events throughout the year, including a sleepover in the museum!

T Rex Museum of Natural History Roving Vails.jpg
T Rex Museum of Natural History Roving Vails

9. The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the US and boasts a permanent collection of over two million works. 

Located on Fifth Avenue in New York City and is one of the most visited museums in the world.  Our boys were especially excited to explore the extensive impressionist galleries.  My kids love art museums and particularly enjoy identifying their favourite painting in a room and then taking a closer look at that one painting.  Admission to the permanent collection is free, but the suggested donation is $25 for adults.

Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids.  Find out more from Catherine about visiting New York with kids.

Things to do in New York with Kids

10. MOMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is a great place to start art appreciation in children at a young age. MOMA has two locations with one in Queens and one in Mid-town Manhattan. Both are close to subway stops and easy to get to. Even better, children 16 and under get free admission to the museum. With a city as expensive of NY, free is a great perk. MOMA offers a wide variety for your family.

It allows you to take your older children to see works of art by the masters. With works by Monet, Gauguin and Picasso. They offer hands-on activity stations for the younger children to drop in and make a contemporary art piece. These stations have specific dates and projects, so check the website for more information.

MOMA also has an Art Lab for children that is open daily that lets children explore different creative techniques.

You can grab a set of Activity Cards from the Information desk when you arrive. These cards will give your children unique things to do around the museum to make the day interactive. If I could give one piece of advice, it is to pace yourselves. Art is a sensory experience and should be taken to younger children in smaller doses. Plan on spending 1 1/2- 2 hours at the museum daily. Weekend days tend to be more crowded, so get there early and enjoy the unique art they have for you and your family.

11. One World Trade Center

There are a lot of tall buildings experiences in New York City, but the One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan is one of our favourites. I also think it’s a great way to start or end your trip. You can see the entire city on a clear day from the One World Observatory spread over the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors. Taking in landmarks like Central Park and Times Square that you’ll likely see at other points in your visit.

Start by riding the train to the gorgeous Oculus station and take a little time to walk around the 9/11 Memorial. The 9/11 Museum is incredible, but I don’t recommend it for kids under 10.  Instead, head to the One World Trade Center and ride up the elevator to tower 104 stories above the city. You feel like you are on top of the world, a fantastic experience for any age. Read more about One World Trade Center here.

12. Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?

A skyscraper-high view of the city was one of our must-dos when my teens and I went to NYC.  In fact we ended up seeing two versions of the view: from the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock.

So which has the best view?  The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in New York City.  Built in 1931 it was the tallest building in the world for 40 years. The exhibits on the way up to the viewing platform tell the story of its astonishingly quick construction – it was finished ahead of schedule!  At the 360-degree open-air observation deck, there’s an especially good view of Lower  Manhattan, the rivers and bridges.

The Top of the Rock, by contrast, has three floors of observation decks and is located further north in Manhattan.  It has lovely views of Central Park and also, crucially, the Empire State Building itself.  We enjoyed both experiences, but the chance to take a selfie with the ESB made Top of the Rock our favourite of the two. Incidentally, the city pass we used during our stay in NYC allowed us to visit both attractions at a discount.

Top of the Rock New York
Photo Credit Deposit Photos.

Ride The Beam At The Top of the Rock

Relive the iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers lunching precariously on a steel beam, 69 stories high. The photo was originally taken in the same spot during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Follow in their fearless footsteps by buckling up for an exhilarating ascent above the deck. Here you’ll experience astonishing views of NYC’s famous Central Park and beyond.

Price: $25 on top of general admission, which is, Adults $40 – $55 (Ages 13+). Child $34 – $49.

13. Playgrounds along the Hudson River

There are so many fun things to do in New York with kids. While our kids always enjoy a museum visit and catching a Broadway show. But sometimes the best thing to do is go outside and play.

There are several playgrounds right along the Hudson River in Tribeca. Our favourites are Pier 25 at Hudson River Park, Rockefeller Park, and Teardrop Park. All three playgrounds are within a 5-minute walk of each other and allow for climbing, sliding, and just running around. While the kids enjoy the playground facilities, the adults are treated to lovely views of the Hudson River and One World Trade Center.

New York With Kids

14. FDNY Fire Zone

The FDNY Fire Zone is located within the Rockefeller Center and is a nice add-on to your trip- especially if you need to escape the weather. It’s small inside but has lots of buttons and fire engine parts to play with. The best bit is the mock fire, where the firefighters will run through a mock evacuation from a smoke-filled room.

Carrie from Flying with a Baby visited twice whilst in New York with kids and the girls did not want to get out of the fire truck both times.

What to do in NYC with Kids

15. Visit to Coney Island

Your vacation should not end without visiting the good old Coney Island. It’s not only for adults but also for kids who want to enjoy activities from visiting an aquarium to going to the amusement park.  There are so many things to do in Coney Island with your kids.

There’s Luna Park, which is by far one of the best amusement parks in town. There are plenty of things to do here for all ages. There are terrifying “Extreme Thrill” and “Mild Thrill”. Then, there are super kids-friendly rides such as the Seaside Swing and spinning cups.

Did I say that it’s right by the beach? Yes, it is right by the beach. When kids are done with the amusement park, everyone can go straight to the beach and lay there, swim, walk, or relax under the sun.  Of course, everyone needs to eat, especially the kids. So, the best place to go is Nathan’s Famous. It’s famous for its chilli cheese dog that adults and kids love. It also has chicken tenders, regular super cheeseburgers, and boneless wings kids will surely enjoy.

Your trip to Coney Island won’t be complete without visiting the New York Aquarium. Kids can see the 150,000-gallon tank filled with around 35 species from the coast of Belize, including the moray eels. Kids can also see marine life from the Pacific coastline and East River specifies.

Coney Island, New York With Kids

16. Eloise High Tea at the Plaza

A fancy afternoon tea at the iconic Plaza Hotel is a must do in New York with kids. Everything about this high tea, from the service to the scones, is exquisite. Order yourself a glass of pink bubbles to wash it all down and luxuriate in the elegant atmosphere. But the real excitement here is for the kids – the pink and pretty Eloise High Tea! 

Mischievous Eloise is the key protagonist in the book Eloise: a book for precocious grown-ups and is an absolute favourite New York character. Her antics at the Plaza have kept kids entertained since the 1950s. The Eloise high tea is super cute for kids and celebrates everything pink – including pink lemonade, cotton candy and cakes. Fun!

Things to do in New York with Kids

17. Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust Diner will give you a taste of Broadway with your meal.  It is located on the corner of Broadway and West 51st Street. It’s popular, so after standing in line outside, you will be pleased that all
tables have a great view of the action.

Food is typically burgers and hot dogs, and your order will be taken by waiting staff with extra talent! The staff take turns singing and dancing around the diner and on a platform above the tables because each is a professional performer. They work at the Stardust Diner between acting jobs, and the standard of singing is top-notch. It’s very family friendly; my kids were transfixed! Be prepared to tip well.

Things to do in New York with Kids

18. Dylan’s Candy Bar

When someone made up the phrase “like a kid in a candy store”, they must have thought of Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC. This is the place where all your kid’s candy dreams come true.

Dylan’s houses the world’s largest collection of candies and candy-related gifts – over 7,000 different confections! From its rainbow-coloured pick-n-mix wall to the oversized lollipop tree and candy cane columns.

More than just a candy store, head upstairs to the café to continue your sweetly delicious experience. Get yourself seated in a giant cupcake booth and choose from a decadent selection of milkshakes, ice creams and desserts – including a 10-scoop sundae! There are sandwiches, burgers and salads too, but you’ve made it this far, who wants those?!

Mum and Dad aren’t forgotten either; there’s a fully stocked bar, so a few alcohol-fuelled chocolate martinis might help you deal with the sugar-fuelled excitement!

Things to do in New York with Kids

19. Take in a Broadway Show

Taking kids to a Broadway show is a great way to get them excited about the theatre and culture that New York has to offer.

A great way to save money is to get matinee tickets, which also helps ensures kiddies will still be awake for the duration of the performance! While not all shows are age-appropriate, there are many great shows that kids will adore, such as The Lion King and Aladdin. If you choose to see Hamilton, there are many great spots in NY to explore Alexander Hamilton’s legacy before and after the performance.

Things to do in New York with Kids

20. Visit The Edge at Hudson Yards

The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond from its vantage point, which is 1,131 feet (345 meters) above ground level. The deck extends from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, one of the tallest buildings in the Hudson Yards development.

Visitors to The Edge can enjoy a unique experience as they walk out onto the deck’s glass floor, giving the sensation of floating above the city. The Edge is designed to provide breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River.

Hudson Yards also boasts several remarkable features, including “The Vessel,” an iconic honeycomb-like staircase designed by Thomas Heatherwick, functioning as both an artistic centrepiece and an interactive public space.

Another standout is “The Shed,” a versatile multi-arts centre hosting diverse performances and exhibitions. The development also encompasses inviting public spaces, parks, and plazas for relaxation and outdoor activities, along with “The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards,” a substantial retail hub offering upscale shopping and dining choices.

21. The SeaGlass Carousel

Every young child likes a merry-go-round so Globetotting guarantees that they’ll love the SeaGlass Carousel in New York.

Located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, this underwater-themed carousel is a magical, ethereal ride that looks like it should be on the pages of a fairy tale. Riders sit inside one of 30 enormous candy-floss-coloured fish, move up and down, and swirl around as though swimming through the ocean.

Lights change colour, and individual speakers broadcast aquatic sounds and music composed especially for the ride. All the fish are modelled after an actual species, including clown triggerfish, angelfish, and more.

22. Eat the original- Cookie Dough, Magnolia Cupcakes, Cronuts, Crack Pie

Kids love food – and they will love the fun food crazes that start in New York City.  New Yorkers love cupcakes and kids do too! 

Magnolia Bakery, which started this whole cupcake craze, has several branches around the city. But my favourite is the original on Bleecker Street in the West Village.  Red Velvet is a perennial favourite, however, there are also fun seasonal flavours like chocolate peppermint.  Something else that kids love?  Cookie dough. 

DO in Greenwich Village is the go-to place for cookie dough, and there can be lines.  It’s quite safe to eat because they use pasteurised eggs and kids will love flavours like Nuts For Nuts (peanut butter + Reese’s Cups + Reese’s Pieces) and seasonal flavours such as Winter Wondoland (sugar cookie + white chips + sprinkles).  Want more sugar?  Crack Pie at Momofuku’s Milk Bar is an absolute must. 

Milk Bar has other fun foods, but Crack Pie is addictive.  It may not sound kid-friendly, but the oat cookie base and brown sugary filling will have your kids begging for more.  These fun food crazes are fun treats for your kids that will make their vacation special and give them the full New York City experience.

Things to do in New York with Kids

23. Visit Minature World

One of the coolest family attractions in NYC is Minature World. This is the world’s most technologically advanced; interactive miniatures display- everything is tiny, but you will have big-time fun at this attraction.

This modern and interactive museum, with plenty to discover, offers miniature figures of the world of famous buildings, all over the world at one time.  There are miniature worlds from the USA, Europe, Asia and even a fully operational miniature airport!

Kids and adults alike will love discovering little details in the various worlds and checking out cities they have visited.  No doubt the little ones will particularly love the key they are given upon entry, which can be used to activate different parts of the miniature sets.

Things to do in New York with Kids

24. Roosevelt Island Cable Car

Over the years, Roosevelt Island, a narrow island in the East River, has housed a prison, a smallpox hospital and an asylum. But it has undergone a lot of regeneration and is now home to apartments, cafes and a lovely park with stunning views across the East River over to Manhattan.

You can get there via the Roosevelt Island Tram (cable car), which runs every 7-15 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue and takes you high above the busy streets below before heading across the East River. Kids love it!

New york activities with kids

25. Get a Water Taxi Around the Tip of Manhattan

When we visited New York two years ago with our then two-year-old son, we debated going across to the Statue of Liberty. We had also been recommended the Staten Island ferry. 

But while walking towards Battery Park, we were met by a tour guide representative, and we ended up on the Zephyr boat tour, a one-hour tour of New York provided by the Liberty Cruise company. And we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

The tour runs on a ferry boat from Pier 16, up under the Brooklyn Bridge, back down around the tip of Manhattan, halfway up between Manhattan and New Jersey, and past Ellis Island alongside the Statue of Liberty before returning to Pier 16. 

We, adults, had a narrated tour of New York, and our host was hilarious. He provided many jokes between the facts about New York, New Jersey and Manhattan Island. For our son, he loved seeing the waves, other boats and also the helicopters flying in and out of Manhattan.

It costs us $30 as part of a special deal. But our son was free of charge due to his age. We also got to see Lady Liberty from the water without needing to leave the boat and navigate our way through the crowds. The boat had plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating across two levels.

There were toilets on board, and drinks and snacks were available to purchase at the onboard bar. It’s one of the best things to do in New York with a toddler and in New York with kids.

Things to do in New York with Kids

26. Visit Bushwick

Bushwick is a small neighbourhood in Brooklyn and since the early 2000’s it has become a haven for artists and bohemian residents.  Both new and old residents have worked at reinvigorating this area of New York, with one aspect resulting in the emergence of the Bushwick chronicle.

The streets and vacant lots have become Urban canvases which see resident artists and visitors putting their mark on the streets for the world to see. Bushwick is a great place to witness stunning street art and learn about urban redevelopment projects and the unique way people can contribute. A short metro ride from Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting would be a day in New York with kids well spent.

Things to do in New York with Kids

27. Exploring Chinatown and a Visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore lower Manhattan, a great 1 Day itinerary (or even half a day) is wandering around Chinatown and taking a tour of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. When my family and I did this itinerary, we began at the museum, walking around and lunching in vibrant Chinatown. But please note the museum is best suited for kids ages eight and up. 

If you have younger kids, I would skip the museum and take in Chinatown for all it offers! For those with older kids, the Tenement Museum is educational in a fun and exciting way.

The museum is dedicated to New York City’s immigrants and how they came to shape the NYC, we know today. Real apartments with real-life remnants from a bygone time can be toured, with the tour guide making it super engaging for the kids.

Most importantly, my girls loved it and learned about a slice of New York history. Afterwards, we walked around bustling Chinatown and had lunch at the ever-popular Nom Wah Tea Parlor, a must-try for anyone who likes dim sum! 

You can read more about things to do in Chinatown, as well as the Tenement Museum, in my Chinatown and Lower East Side Tenement Museum post.

Exploring Chinatown and a Visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

28. Explore with Kids in Soho

 People don’t typically associate this trendy Lower-Manhattan neighborhood with kids…fancy hotels, high-end shopping and late-night drinks are more of what come to mind!

But as with everywhere these days, kid-oriented places and activities have popped up more and more. So, if you’re visiting New York and want to hit Soho and all its fabulousness, don’t let having kids stop you.

Take them to uber-popular Black Tap for their “crazy shakes” and burgers (they will thank you forever), visit the Jacques Torres chocolate museum and flagship store, or make some art at the fantastic Children’s Museum of the Arts. These are some of the things you can do with kids in Soho, and you can read more about it in my post, Things to do with Kids in Soho.

29. Visit The Newest Museum, The Color Factory

Prepare for an engaging adventure as you explore 14 vibrant art installations at Color Factory New York, each as breathtaking as it is colorful. Suitable for all ages, Color Factory is the ideal destination for celebrations, gatherings, or a delightful family outing! Our museum pays tribute to the myriad hues of the city, ranging from the vivid yellow of a taxi cab to the rich brown of a street pretzel.

Every trip to Color Factory promises unexpected giveaways, delightful treats, and complimentary digital photos capturing the highlights of your experience. Crafted in collaboration with an extraordinary lineup of local and international artists and partners, this kaleidoscopic ode to NYC will undoubtedly leave you feeling inspired. Are you ready to dive into a world of color?

The Color Museum New York
Photo Credit: The Color Factory

Location: 251 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. In the SoHo area of Manhattan. The closest trains are C & E (Spring Street station) and the 1 (Houston Street, Canal Street stations).

Price: $48 dollars per person, Children ages 2 and under are FREE. We have not heard reports as yet to know if it is worth the price tag, but it looks a cool space and promises sweet treats, keepsakes and digital images included in the price.

Black_Tap_Soho_New_York_milkshakes_

Indoor Things to Do in New York with Kids

  • The Children’s Museum of Manhattan – a little secret to the NY nannies and mommies, which we discovered. Five floors of fun, aimed at pre-schoolers. There is soft play and sensory for babies, a Dora the Explora floor and numerous other interactive and educational exhibits, sure to tire out your little ones. Strollers need to be checked in (for free), with the option of checking in additional bags too.
  • Natural History Museum – I won’t say much about this because it’s self explanitory, although I think NYC’s version is better than ours in London (although our building is more impressive)
  • Disney Store, Times Square – Not many people realise this, but the store does a pretty cool opening ceremony in the morning, where one lucky child gets to open the doors with the giant key. Make sure you get there early and stand at the front.
  • FAO Schwarz – Not only do they host the giant piano from the movie “Big”, but it’s open for kids to jump around on.  You can also make your own muppet, super car or classic doll (pricey, but special)
  • Dylan’s candy land and/or M&Ms World – Erm they are sweet shops on steroids and I cannot be held responsible for any sugar induced, hyperactive children.
  • Serendipity – World famous dessert parlour, but you will need to book in advance if you want to guarantee great desserts. Nobody wants to deal with the disappointment on a child’s face after you have promised them ice-cream.
  • Basketball games at Madison Square Garden – This one is from Mr D. During NBA (Basketball) season, which is October to April, Madison Square Garden hosts family friendly games in the afternoon on weekends and holidays. Tickets aren’t cheap, but it is quite an experience if you get to go.

Outdoor Things to Do in New York with Kids

  • Central Park – The only real green space in the concrete jungle, Central Park has a whole host of things to keep kids busy, including:
    – 21 playgrounds
    – the famous Alice in Wonderland statue that children can be found climbing and hiding in
    – a zoo
    – Sailing a toy boat in the Conservatory water (we took our six year old nephew who loved it)
    – a rustic, wooden Swedish Cottage in the park that hosts weekend puppet shows at 1pm
  • High Line – Ever wondered what it would be like to walk above a buzzing city? Now you can. This is my favourite place in NY and its great for adults and children. Once an abandoned rail track, it has now been transformed into a beautiful green space spanning several blocks. Great for a stroll when you want to escape the busy streets,  a place to sit or lie down and take in the sun, buy a gelato and even dip you toes or have a splash about in the water fountains to cool off.
  • Baseball games – Another one from my sport loving, Mr D. Baseball season is April to October and tickets for baseball games are much cheaper than basketball games because of the number of games played in a season. So put your NY baseball cap on and go enjoy the ballgame!

Seasonal Things to do in New York with Kids

There is always something going on in NYC to help take in the buzzing, metropolitan community and here are some of my faves throughout the year:

March – Things to do in New York with Kids

– St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Get dressed up in everything green and head to Fifth Avenue for some Irish loving. There is green beer galore, but don’t worry, this is definitely something you can still take the kids to.

April –Things to do in New York with Kids

The Sikh Day Parade in Manhattan is a celebration of the Sikh faith and is open to people from all communities. Fantastic for everyone, especially if you like Indian food. Just note, that this is a religious event so vegetarian food only and no alcohol.

September – Things to do in New York with Kids

Brazilian Day celebrates Brazil’s Independence Day and takes over 25 blocks in Manhattan.  With over a million people visiting, this is one heck of a party.

November – Things to do in New York with Kids

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a holiday icon. Starting at 9am on Thanksgiving Day, this three hour long parade has some incredible floats, giant balloons that tower over the crowds and ends with Santa’s arrival to mark the start of the Christmas season.

November/December – Things to do in New York with Kids

Check out the Rockettes, a high-kicking, all singing and dancing, festive show at Radio City Music Hall.

The ice rinks at Rockefeller and Central Park can’t be beaten. Just think of it as having an ice rink in Trafalgar Square under the tree or in the centre of Hyde Park.

I have tried to cover most of the touristy things to do with kids in NYC, but if you want to live like the locals then mommypoppins.com offers a whole host of things to do (just be prepared for info overload on the site).

Just in case I have missed anything, do share your top Things to do in New York with Kids in the comments below and start “spreading the news”… New York…. NEW YOOOOOORK!

Photo Credits in this post to Mommy Poppins; Thrifty Family Travel, Credit Collecting; The Travel Bunny; Dale Cruse; Fifi & Hop; Dolly’s Quest; Falcondale Life; Mum on the Move; Little City Trips; Super Travel Bitch;

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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!

Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.

1 thought on “29 Awesome Things To Do In New York With Kids”

  1. We have been to New York previously without the kids but seem to have missed a lot! I love discovering cities with the kids as they force you to explore new areas that you would have never thought about. We have never heard of the Museum of Math for instance. I’m sure we would love it!

    Reply

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